F1 to introduce penalty system for drivers, in-season testing in 2014

SILVERSTONE, England — The World Motor Sports Council says it will introduce a penalty point system for Formula One drivers in 2014 and expand testing to be allowed in January and during the season.

The penalty system was prompted by race crashes in the past year. The system would allow a driver to accumulate 12 points before he is banned from the next race. The council said the penalty points would depend on the "severity of the offence."

It also announced plans to allow preseason testing in January which would play into the hands of Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, which are keen to hold such tests. It also would allow four two-day track sessions during the season. In-season testing is currently banned.